Romania’s gambling authority files criminal charges against unlicensed operators

• ONJN filed three criminal complaints against entities offering illegal online gambling to Romanian players
• Authority conducted 5,130 inspections and imposed €760,000 in fines over five months
• New legislative powers enable ONJN to issue removal orders under Digital Services Act whilst introducing strict social media restrictions

Romania’s National Gambling Office (ONJN) has filed criminal charges against three entities operating unlicensed online gambling services that allowed Romanian players to access their platforms.

The regulator announced the move as part of a broader crackdown that has resulted in unprecedented enforcement activity across the country’s gambling sector.

ONJN conducted extensive monitoring and evidence gathering before submitting the criminal complaints to prosecution authorities. The gambling sites operated by these entities have been added to Romania’s official blacklist. The investigation aims to identify the true beneficiaries behind these illegal platforms.

The newly appointed ONJN President, Vlad-Cristian Soare, has implemented these measures as part of a wider campaign to restore confidence in the authority.

“The National Gambling Office (ONJN) has taken a decisive step in a large-scale operation targeting Romania’s gambling market. Following rigorous monitoring, thorough analyses, and the collection of necessary evidence, ONJN filed three criminal complaints against three entities that were offering online gambling without a license and allowing access to players from Romania.

“The gambling sites through which this activity was conducted have already been added to the blacklist. At the same time, the referral to law enforcement aims to identify and hold accountable the true beneficiaries behind these illegal platforms. This is an essential step to stop not only the visible activity but also the networks that profit in the shadows from the black market of gambling,” the institution announced on their website.

Criminal enforcement intensifies

ONJN emphasised that this enforcement action represents a significant escalation in its fight against illegal gambling operations. The authority stated it will target not only visible illegal activity but also the networks that profit from Romania’s black market gambling sector.

Over the past five months, ONJN has dramatically intensified its regulatory oversight activities. The authority conducted 5,130 control measures, imposed 130 sanctions worth 3.78 million lei (approximately €760,000), and filed 32 criminal complaints.

Additionally, officials seized 144 gambling devices, blacklisted 93 websites, revoked 28 licences, and temporarily suspended three licensed online gambling platforms.

The regulator has gained new enforcement powers through Legislative Package No. 1, approved by the Romanian government and adopted by parliament. These tools enable ONJN to control both licensed operators and black market activity more effectively.

Under the European Digital Services Act (DSA), ONJN can now issue official orders for the removal of illegal content from online platforms. The regulator warned that any clandestine activity affects players, undermines market integrity, and deprives the state of revenue that should flow to the national budget.

Social media crackdown targets influencers

Simultaneously, ONJN has launched a comprehensive social media enforcement campaign targeting operators, affiliates, and influencers.

The authority issued detailed requirements mandating that all gambling-related content on social media platforms and YouTube must include age restrictions preventing access by individuals under 18 years old.

The new provisions extend beyond operators to include influencers and collaborators promoting gambling brands through personal channels. Every post, story, or video must be protected by access limitations. Any links redirecting users to gambling sites within social media profiles must be accompanied by access restrictions.

ONJN has confirmed the launch of targeted inspections focusing on social media compliance, warning that violations will result in legal sanctions or referral to competent authorities.

Upcoming advertising restrictions

Starting in October 2025, additional restrictions will take effect under Decision No. 573/2025 on the Audiovisual Code.

These new rules prohibit the use of public figures, athletes, or cultural personalities in gambling advertising campaigns, aiming to break the association between fame and gambling attractiveness among younger audiences.

The regulator established a dedicated reporting system allowing citizens to report violations through its official portal or WhatsApp service at +40761 890 899.

Payment processors and service providers targeted

The enforcement campaign extends beyond operators to payment processors, software providers, and other service providers within the gambling industry.

ONJN confirmed it permanently monitors compliance across the sector, warning that supporting illegal operators constitutes a criminal offence that will prevent companies from operating in Romania.

ONJN has also strengthened its oversight of licensed operators through targeted inspections focusing on single account requirements and player self-exclusion mechanisms.

Romania’s gambling market features 33 licensed remote gambling operators, with 13 companies operating multiple domains under single licences. The complete list of licensed operators and their authorised domains remains available on ONJN’s official website.